September 29–That Smoldering Wick…Can Lift Fragrant Prayers

I love to burn candles, especially ones with deep, earthy fragrance. The other night, just before I went to sleep, I blew out the candle by my bed. But it didn’t go out for a long time. And I was so glad it didn’t.

From that smoldering wick went up circling rings of smoke, filling my nose and filling the room with a fragrance that seemed even stronger than when the flame was fully burning. And it made me think of how God likens the burning of incense—with its rising fragrant-filled smoke—to the prayers of His people.

It is often when we come nearly to the end of ourselves that we finally turn our heads, hearts and habits to God—lifting our prayers to Him. Seeking God’s help. God’s forgiveness. God’s love. God’s mercies. God’s way and truth and life.

And our Holy, Sovereign God does not turn away from us when we humbly and honesty seek Him. No matter how sinful or shameful we have been…no matter how broken or burned out we are. Our God will hear…our God will smell our fragrant-filled, honest prayers. And not only will we not be snuffed out, but our God will rekindle, renew and fill our lives with the light and the fire of His Holy Spirit.